It can be hard to keep track of all the different coronavirus variants that have emerged. Technical names like B.1.351 and B.1.671.2 are a mouthful. Instead, shorthand like the “South African” and “Indian” variants have taken hold. Now, the World Health Organization wants the world to say goodbye to South Africa and hello to Beta. After months of deliberation, an expert panel has put forward a new system for naming and referencing variants using the Greek alphabet.
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